US Bridges

HWY Merrimack ST over Water Merrimack Canal

Fair

Middlesex County, Massachusetts · At Dutton ST · Structure no. L1504687MMUNNBI

Built
1823
202 years old, rebuilt 1890
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
18,000
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY Merrimack ST over Water Merrimack Canal is a masonry arch - deck carrying HWY Merrimack ST over Water Merrimack Canal in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was built in 1823 and reconstructed in 1890, so it is 202 years old, older than the Massachusetts average of 63.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 18,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,269 by 2018. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 73 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesHWY Merrimack ST
CrossesWater Merrimack Canal
LocationAt Dutton ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMiddlesex County
StateMassachusetts
Coordinates42.64587, -71.31237
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width73 ft (22.3 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,000 (2024)
Projected traffic25,269 by 2018
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY Merrimack ST over Water Merrimack Canal built?

It was built in 1823, making it 202 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1890.

What condition is HWY Merrimack ST over Water Merrimack Canal in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does HWY Merrimack ST over Water Merrimack Canal carry?

About 18,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is HWY Merrimack ST over Water Merrimack Canal?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 73 ft wide.

Who owns HWY Merrimack ST over Water Merrimack Canal?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.